Energy absorbing door panel

ABSTRACT

A car trim including a plurality of ribs formed integrally and arranged vertically at a predetermined interval on a predetermined site of the rear face 1a of trim main body 1 for absorbing energy of collision, each rib being formed in a rectangular tube, each rib side wall 4a being tapared with thinning toward its distal end, and a rigidity changing portion P being disposed by integrally forming an auxiliary rib piece 5 on the rib side wall 4a for introducing buckling transformation of the rib 4 at a predetemined position in the rib side wall 4a. The rib also includes a first energy absorbing portion 5 and a second energy absorbing portion 6 formed in such a multi-stepped manner that the number of rib walls in the former step is different from that number in the latter step. Further, the rib also includes a first auxiliary rib piece 5 extending outside from each corner along one side wall 3, 4 of the rib and a second auxiliary rib piece 6 extending from the distal end of the first auxiliary rib piece 5 onto the other side wall 4, 3 vertically intersecting that first auxiliary rib piece.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/496,011,filed Jun. 28, 1995 abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a car trim which is attached to and decoratesa panel face of the car compartment side portion, such as door innerpanel or rear side inner panel.

2. Description of the Related Art

Japanese Published Unexamined Utility Model Application No. 2-64422discloses a car trim in which an energy absorbing portion having ahoneycomb structure is provided with the rear face of the trim main bodyas a countermeasure for side collision. In such construction, when thecar driver is moved toward the compartment side portion by the force ofinertia on a side collision, the honeycomb energy absorbing portion istransformed with buckling to absorb the energy of collision forprotecting the driver.

Since this energy absorbing portion comprises a honeycomb structure,when formed with a resinous material, it is difficult to release theformed article from the mold in either case of integral forming with thetrim main body or separated forming, thereby to degrade the moldability.

In addition, the honeycomb structure of this energy absorbing portiongenerally provides relatively large initial counterforce on the bucklingtransformation so that it is difficult to obtain a tranformation mode ofideally low counterforce from such structure.

Furthermore, when the honeycomb structure is formed with a resin, it isnecessary to form each partition wall relatively thick in the light ofits moldability. Therefore, in order to reduce the initial counterforceon the buckling transformation as low as possible, it is necessary toincreace the distance of projection from the rear face of the trim mainbody. As a result, the compartment space becomes narrow, and the weightof the trim is increased contrary to the general purpose for reducingthe entire weight of the car body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a car trim including acollision energy absorbing rib for presenting excellent moldability andan ideal transformation mode in which the initial counterforce on thebuckling transformation is significantly low.

The above object can be achieved according to the present invention withan energy absorbing car trim adapted for attaching to a panel face of aside portion of a car compartment adjacent to a driver or passengerseat. The trim comprises a trim main body. The main body has a pluralityof rectangularly-shaped tubular ribs integral with the trim body andspaced apart at a predetermined interval. Each side wall of each rib hasa rigidity changing portion at a location corresponding to a halfwavelength of buckling waveform of each rib, between a distal end ofeach rib and a base of each rib to introduce controlled bucklingtransformation for the ribs.

In this construction, when the driver is moved toward the compartmentside portion by the force of inertia and his or her body hits on thetrim main body on a side collision or the like case, the rectangulartubular ribs are transformed with buckling between the trim main bodyand the car panel to absorb the energy of collision.

In this case, the rectangular tubular ribs rare for absorbing the energyof collision effects to smoothly perform the bellows-type bucklingtransformation so that the initial counterforce on that transformationcan be significantly reduced.

In addition to the advantage on that collision energy absorbingproperty, since each of the ribs is formed in a rectangular tube, therelease from the mold on forming the rib with a resin can be facilitatedthereby to enhance the moldability.

The smooth buckling transformation realized by this rib further assuresa sufficient effective stroke of transformation. Thus, the distance ofprojection from the rear face of the trim main body can be reduced ascompared to the above-mentioned prior art, thereby guaranteeing arelatively wide compartment space.

In this construction, when the driver is moved toward the compartmentside portion by the force of inertia and his or her body hits on thetrim main body on a side collision or the like case, the rectangulartubular rib can be transformed with buckling between the trim main bodyand the car panel to absorb the energy of collision. The bucklingtransformation is caused by the rigidity changing portion formed alongthe rib side wall for smoothly performing it in a bellows manner. Thus,the initial counterforce on that transformation can be much reduced withstabilizing the buckling transformation property.

Alternatively, in this invention, the rectangular tubular rib can beintegrally formed with the rear side of the trim main body. Accordingly,the number of parts can be lowered for the cost reduction.

Alternatively, in this invention, the rectangular tubular rib can beintegrally formed with a base plate and fixed to the trim main bodythrough the base plate.

Further, in this invention, since the plurality of ribs are arranged ata suitable interval, mutual interference does not occur on thebellows-type buckling transformation. Smooth buckling transformationrealized by each rib assures a sufficient effective stroke oftransformation.

In addition, since the buckling transformation mode can be changed foreach rib, suitable adjustment can be performed to obtain an optimumcollision energy absorption property.

Alternatively, in this invention, each of the plurality of rectangulartubular ribs can be provided with a partition wall integrally formedbetween one opposed pair of the side walls of the rib. Accordingly, itis advantageous in forming and arranging a plurality of ribs on apredetermined portion of the rear face of the trim main body.

Alternatively, in this invention, each of the plurality of rectangulartubular ribs can be provided with partition walls verticallyintersecting each other and integrally formed between each opposed pairof the side walls of the rib. Accordingly, it is advantageous in forminga plurality of ribs on a predetermined portion of the rear face of thetrim main body.

Accordingly, it is advantageous in forming and arranging a plurality ofribs both in the vertical and horizontal directions on a predeterminedportion of the rear face of the trim main body.

Alternatively, in this invention, each side wall of the rectangulartubular rib can be tapered along its base (where the rib is attached tothe trim main body to the distal free end.

Accordingly, the draw angle is provided with the rib so that themoldability can be much enhanced.

Further, since the buckling starts at the distal end thinner than thebase portion on the transformation of the rib, thereby lowering theinitial counterforce and obtaining a non-linear ideal transformationmode.

Alternatively, in this invention, the height (vertical) to width(horizontal) ratio is set at 0.2 to 1.0.

Alternatively, in this invention, the maximum value of the depth(horizontal) of the rectangular rib is set at 70 mm (≦70 mm), which isobtained as the optimum value from experiments on the collision energyabsorption property and the layout characteristics in case of collectivearrangement of the plurality of ribs.

Accordingly, both the initiation and the entirety of bellows-likebuckling transformation of the rib are performed smoothly so that thecollision energy absorption effect can be much enhanced.

Accordingly, the working range of the rigidity changing portion alongthe rib side wall can be clearly defined by such an auxiliary rib pieceso that the buckling transformation can be introduced with morecertainty by the rigidity changing portion.

Further, since the auxiliary rib piece is also transformed on thebuckling transformation of the rib, the collision energy absorptioneffect can be much enhanced.

Alternatively, in this invention, the auxiliary rib piece is integrallyformed with the inner surface of the rib side wall.

Accordingly, the auxiliary rib piece does not interfere with theattachment work of the rib to the rear face of the trim main body. Thisis advantageous both in the space efficiency and in the layoutcharacteristics.

Alternatively, in this invention, the rigidity changing portion isformed by providing an opening in each rib side wall.

Accordingly, such easy formation leads to lowering the cost.

Alternatively, in this invention, a slit is formed near the base end ofeach rib side wall.

Accordingly, the rigidity near the relatively thick base end of the ribside wall can be adjustably reduced by the slit so that the entirebuckling transformation of the rib can be performed more smoothly.

Alternatively, in this invention, the plurality of ribs are divided intotwo portions, first and second energy absorption sites.

In such construction, when the driver is moved toward the compartmentside portion by the force of inertia and his or her body hits on thetrim main body on a side collision or the like case, the rib structureprovides buckling transformation between the trim main body and the carpanel to absorb the energy of collision.

In that case, since each rib for absorbing the collision energy isbasically formed into a rectangular tube, the bellows-like bucklingtransformation can be performed smoothly, thereby to reduce the initialcounterforce on the transformation.

Further, since the plurality of ribs are divided into the first andsecond energy absorption sites, the amount of absorbing the collisionenergy can be suitably adjusted, thereby obtaining the optimum collisionenergy absorption property.

In addition to the advantage on that collision energy absorptionproperty, the shape of the rectangular tube rib facilitates the releasefrom the mold on forming it with a resin, thereby enhancing themoldability.

The smooth buckling transformation realized by this rib structurefurther assures a sufficient effective stroke of transformation. Thus,the distance of projection from the rear face of the trim main body canbe desiredly reduced so as to guarantee a relatively wide compartmentspace.

Alternatively, in this invention, the first and second energy absorptionsites of the rib structure are formed separately and connected to eachother along the projecting direction. Accordingly, the moldability canbe much enhanced, and the collision energy absorption amount by the ribcan be adjusted with ease.

Alternatively, in this invention, a rib formed in a rectangular tube forabsorbing energy of collision is provided on the rear face of the trimmain body which is attached to and decorates a panel face of the carcompartment side portion, and a first auxiliary rib piece extendingoutside the rib along each rib side wall and a second auxiliary ribpiece extending from the distal end of each first rib piece to apredetermined intermediate portion of each rib side wall vertical tothat first rib piece are integrally formed with the rib.

Accordingly, when the driver is moved toward the compartment sideportion by the force of inertia and his or her body hits on the trimmain body on a side collision or the like case, the rectangular tube ribis transformed with buckling between the trim main body and the carpanel to absorb the energy of collision.

In that case, when the impact of collision is applied along thestructural axis of the rib, the bellows-like buckling transformation ofthe rib is performed smoothly to suppress the initial counterforce onthe transformation. Additionally, the first and second rib pieces arealso transformed with buckling to absorb the collision energy.

When the impact of collision is applied obliquely, each rib side wallsubstantially vertical to the applied impact direction tends to fall.However, each of the first and second rib pieces extending along theapplied impact direction supports such a rib side wall, therebyperforming such buckling transformation that can suitably absorb theenergy of collision.

In addition to that advantage on the collision energy absorptionproperty, the shape of the rectangular tube rib facilitates the releasefrom the mold on forming it with a resin, thereby enhancing themoldability.

Further, the smooth buckling transformation due to this rib furtherassures a sufficient effective stroke of transformation. Thus, thedistance of projection from the rear face of the trim main body can bereduced to assure a desiredly wide compartment space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the trim main bodyof the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a single rib to be provided therear side of the trim main body of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the collision energy absorption property ofthe single rib in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-section taken along the line I--I of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the ribstructure is formed separately from the trim main body.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which eachadjacent pair of ribs are connected with a common side wall.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the ribstructure has internal partition walls vertically intersecting eachother.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the trim mainbody of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a single rib to be provided on therear side of the trim main body of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-section taken along the line II--II of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which eachauxiliary rib piece is formed in a trapezoid.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which eachauxiliary rib piece has a step.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which someauxiliary rib pieces are formed inside the rib side wall.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which a pluralityof ribs are formed separately from the trim main body.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which eachadjacent pair of ribs are connected with a common side wall.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the ribstructure has internal partition walls vertically intersecting eachother.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which an openingformed in each side wall is used as the rigidity changing portion.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which an openingand a base end slit formed in each side wall are used as the rigiditychanging portion.

FIG. 21 is a cross-section taken along the line III--III of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a trim main body as third embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the rear side of the trim main body inthe third embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the rib structure in thethird embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which the ribstructure is formed separately from the trim main body.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an embodiment in which first andsecond energy absorbing sites are formed separately.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the rear side of a trim main bodyas fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged perspective view showing an important portion inthe fourth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a side elevation of the rib structure in the fourthembodiment.

FIG. 30 is a view seen along the direction of arrow IV of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the collision energy absorption property ofthe rib structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, a door trim as the first embodiment of this invention willbe described in detail with reference to the drawing.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 1 designates a trim main bodyattached to door inner panel Da of door main body D with a clip or thelike means (not shown). In substantially the intermediate portion, armrest 2 is formed projecting toward the compartment. Further, pocket 3 isprovided at the bottom portion.

On the rear face 1a of the trim main body, a plurality ribs 4 formedeach in a rectangular tube are provided to absorb energy of collision.Further, the rectangular tube rib is elongated horizontally as is seenfrom FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, three ribs are integrally formed with trim main bodyon its rear face 1a in a vertical arrangement at a predeterminedinterval. The location of these ribs is determined as a site which isthe likeliest area to receive load when the driver will be moved asidefrom his or her seat (not shown) by the inertia force generated by aside collision or the like cause. Namely, the location corresponds tothe waist of the driver sitting on the seat.

The collision energy absorption property varies with the ratio betweenthe vertical dimension (height) a and the horizontal dimension (width) bof the rectangle of each rib 4. For example, when the ratio a/b is setat 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 in case of rib 4 having the maximum thicknessof 2 mm which is substantially the same as the thickness of the trimmain body 1, that property corresponds to lines Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Serespectively as shown in FIG. 4. When the ratio a/b is smaller than 0.2,the amount of collision energy absorption can not reach a desired range.On the other hand, when the ratio a/b is larger than 1.0, the initialcounterforce exceeds a desired level.

Therefore, the ratio between the vertical and horizontal dimensions a/bof the rib 4 is set in the range of from 0.2 to 1.0 in this embodiment.In addition, the depth of projection of the rib 4 from the trim mainbody 1 is 50 mm, and the thickness of a top end of the rib 4 is set at 1to 1.2 mm.

When the maximum value of the depth of vertical and horizontaldimensions a and b exceeds 70 mm, the space to be occupied by the ribs 4becomes unnecessarily large to degrade the efficiency of absorbing thecollision energy. Therefore, that maximum value of a and b is set at 70mm or less.

Accordingly, when the driver is moved toward the side portion of thecompartment by the inertia force on a side collision or the like caseand the driver's waist hits on the trim main body effecting the load ofcollision onto these ribs 4, each rib 4 is transformed with bucklingbetween the trim main body 1 and door inner panel Da to absorb thecollision energy.

Especially, in this embodiment, since these ribs 4 are formed in arectangular tube and vertically arranged at a predetermined interval inthe area to be hit by the driver's waist, each rib 4 can performindependent and smooth bellows-like buckling transformation, thereby todesirably reduce the initial counterforce on the transformation andabsorb the collision energy with high efficiency.

Additionally, since the smooth buckling transformation performed by eachrib 4 can assure a sufficient effective stroke, the height of projectionfrom the rear face of the trim main body 1 can be reduced, therebykeeping a wide compartment space.

Further, the shape of rectangular tube rib 4 facilitates the releasefrom the mold on forming it with a resin. Therefore, the moldability canbe enhanced to reduce the manufacturing cost.

As shown in FIG. 5, if the side wall of the rib 4 is tapered withthinning toward its distal end, a suitable draw angle α of the mold forforming the rib 4 can be obtained. Thus, the moldability can be muchenhanced by such construction.

In case of such a tapered shape of the rib 4, it also becomes possibleto reduce the initial counterforce and perform smooth bucklingtransformation because that buckling is initiated from the thinningdistal portion of the rib 4. Therefore, a non-linear idealtransformation mode can be realized.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the plurality of ribs 4 areintegrally formed with the rear face of the trim main body 1. However,as shown in FIG. 6, these ribs may be formed separately from the trimmain body 1 and fixed to the rear face of the trim main body 1 through abase plate 5 with screws 6.

In this embodiment, since the trim main body 1 and the ribs 4A areseparated, the trim main body can be used in either application equippedor not equipped with the ribs.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show two embodiments in either of which a plurality oftriangular tube ribs 4B are integrally formed in contact with eachother. Similarly, in these embodiments, the ratio and the maximum valueof the vertical and horizontal dimensions of each rib are set at therespective ranges desribed above with reference to FIG. 3.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, partition walls 7, 7 are integrallyformed with and between a pair of side walls, and three continuous ribs4B are arranged vertically.

In this embodiment, since each ajacent pair of these ribs 4B commonlyuse the partition wall 7, 7, the absorption amount of collision energyis more reduced as compared to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.However, the design of the forming mold and the release from the moldcan be more facilitated on arranging the plurality of ribs at apredetermined area on the rear face of the trim main body 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the partition walls 7, 7 verticallyintersecting each other are integrally formed with and between eachfacing pair of the outer side walls to define four gathering ribs 4B.

At the intersecting point of these partition walls 7, 7, a round boss 7ais formed to facilitate the release from the mold.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 7, since each ajacent pair of theseribs 4B commonly use the partition wall 7, 7, the absorption amount ofcollision energy is more reduced as compared to the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. However, it becomes easier to form and arrange such aplurality of ribs 4B contacting with each other as shown in FIG. 8 at apredetermined area on the rear face of the trim main body 1.

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention is described. Inthe following description, like reference numerals designate like partsof the first embodiment, respectively.

FIGS. 9 to 12 show rib 24 formed on the rear face 1a of trim main body1, respectively.

In this embodiment, each side wall 24a of rib 24 is tapered withthinning toward its distal end to define a draw angle α of the mold (notshown) around its outer circumference.

Additionally, rigidity changing portion P is provided on each rib sidewall 24 at a predetermined location from its distal end for introducingbuckling transformation of the rib 24.

The buckling waveform of the rectangular tube rib 24 can be designatedby a dotted line as shown in FIG. 12. When the vertical dimension is aand horizontal dimension is b in the rectangular tube rib 24, the halfwavelength of the buckling transformation of rib 24 can be obtained as(a+b)/4±(a+b)/8. Therefore, it is preferred for introducing properbuckling transformation to position the rigidity changing portion P atthe place corresponding to the half wavelength.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the rigidity changing portion P isprovided at the location corresponding to the half wavelength of thebuckling waveform of each rib side wall 24a or to (a+b)/4±(a+b)/8 fromits distal end.

Various shapes may be applied to the rigidity changing portion P. Inthis embodiment, triangular rib piece 25 with a height from the baseportion to the location corresponding to the half wavelength of thebuckling waveform is integrally formed at substantially the centralportion of the outer face of each rib side wall 24a.

The collision energy absorption property obtained by this embodiment issimilar to the result from the first embodiment. Namely, as shown inFIG. 4, the energy absorption property can be designated by lines Sa,Sb, Sc, Sd and Se when the ratio a/b of the vertical and horizontaldimensions of the rectangular tube rib 24 with a thickness of 2 mm whichis substantially the same as the trim main body is set at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6,0.8 and 1.0. When the ratio a/b is smaller than 0.2, the amount ofcollision energy absorption can not reach a needed value. On the otherhand, when the ratio a/b is larger than 1.0, the initial counterforceexceeds a desired level.

Therefore, also in the second embodiment, the ratio a/b between thevertical and horizontal dimensions of the rib 24 is set in the range offrom 0.2 to 1.0. In addition, the depth of projection of the rib 24 fromthe trim main body 1 is 50 mm, and the thickness of a top end of the rib24 is set at 1 to 1.2 mm.

Accordingly, smooth bellows-like buckling transformation of the rib 24can be introduced by the rigidity changing portion P because thisportion is formed at the location corresponding to the half wavelengthof the buckling waveform of each rib side wall 24a. Namely, the initialcounterforce on the buckling transformation can be desiredly reduced,and the buckling transformation itself can be well balanced andstabilized. Therefore, a non-linear ideal property can be obtained,thereby enhancing the collision energy absorption effect.

Further, each rigidity changing portion P is provided by integrallyforming an auxiliary rib 25 with each rib side wall 24a over the sitefrom its base end to the predetermined location described above.Therefore, the auxiliary rib 25 is also transformed with the bucklingtransformation of the rib 24, thereby increasing the amount of collisionenergy absorption.

In addition to the advantage on such a collision energy absorptionproperty, the shape of rectangular tube rib 24 facilitates the releasefrom the mold (not shown) on forming it with a resin. Moreover, sinceeach rib side wall 24a is tapered with thinning toward its distal end todefine a draw angle α of the mold (not shown) around its outercircumference, the release from the mold becomes easier, therebyenhancing the moldability and reducing the manufacturing cost.

In this embodiment, the shape of the auxiliary rib piece 25 is atriangle. However, it may be formed in a trapezoid as shown in FIG. 13to make clear the effect of the rigidity changing portion P.

FIG. 14 shows a modified example of the trapezoidal auxiliary rib piece25, in which a step is formed in the intermediate portion of the obliqueside of each auxiliary rib piece and the step is formed as the rigiditychanging portion P. Thus, the entire rigidity of the rib structure canbe increased by such modified pieces.

In this modified example, the auxiliary rib piece 25 is integrallyformed with the outer face of each rib side wall 24a. However, it maybe, optionally, formed integrally with the inner face of the rib sidewall 24a.

FIG. 15 shows a modified rib structure in which the trapezoidalauxiliary rib piece 25 as shown in FIG. 13 is integrally formed on theouter face of each vertically extending side wall 24a, and the steppedauxiliary rib piece 25 as shown in FIG. 14 is formed on the inner faceof each horizontally extending side wall 24a.

This structure is advantageous in respect of space when a plurality ofribs 24 are arranged as shown in FIGS. 9, 10. Namely, the auxiliary ribpiece 25 provided on the inner face of each rib side wall 24a does notinterfere with the vertical arrangement of the ribs as shown in the samedrawings.

In the embodiment described above, the plurality of ribs 24 areintegrally formed with the rear face 1a of the trim main body 1.However, a plurality of ribs 24A may be prepared separately from thetrim main body 1 as shown in FIG. 16. Namely, in the same drawing, theribs 24A are formed integrally with a base plate 26 using a resin to befixed through this plate 26 onto the rear face 1a of the trim main body1 by screws or the like means.

According to this embodiment, since the trim main body 1 and ribs 24Aare separated, the trim main body can be used in either applicationequipped or not equipped with the ribs.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show two embodiments in either of which a plurality oftriangular tube ribs 4B are integrally formed in contact with eachother. Similarly, in these embodiments, the ratio and the maximum valueof the vertical and horizontal dimensions of each rib are set at therespective ranges desribed above with reference to FIG. 3.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, partition walls 28, 28 areintegrally formed with and between a pair of side walls to form threecontinuous ribs 24B vertically arranged.

In this embodiment, since each ajacent pair of these ribs 24B commonlyuse the partition wall 28, the absorption amount of collision energy ismore reduced as compared to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.However, the design of the forming mold and the release from the moldcan be more facilitated on arranging the plurality of ribs at apredetermined area on the rear face of the trim main body 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, the partition walls 28, 28vertically intersecting each other are integrally formed with andbetween each facing pair of the outer side walls to define fourgathering ribs 4B.

At the intersecting point of these partition walls 28, 28, boss 28a isformed to facilitate the release from the mold.

Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 17, since each ajacent pair of theseribs 24B commonly use the partition wall 28, the absorption amount ofcollision energy is more reduced as compared to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 9 and 10. However, it becomes easier to form and arrange such aplurality of ribs 24B contacting with each other as shown in FIG. 18 ata predetermined area on the rear face of the trim main body 1.

FIG. 19 shows another example of the rigidity changing portion P. Inthis embodiment, an opening 30 is provided as the rigidity changingportion P in each rib side wall 24a at the predetermined locationdescribed above with reference to FIG. 11.

Accordingly, when the driver is moved aside in the compartment on a sidecollision or the like reason and his or her body hits on the trim mainbody 1, the bellows-like buckling transformation of the rib 24 isintroduced by the rigidity changing portion P. Thus, smooth bucklingtransformation can be introduced through that rigidity changing portion,thereby absorbing the energy of collision and safely protecting thedriver.

Since the opening 30 formed at a predetermined location in each rib sidewall 24a is used as the rigidity changing portion P, this constructionis more advantageous on the manufacturing cost than the case in whichthe auxiliary rib piece 25 is formed integrally with the side wall.

FIGS. 20 and 21 respectively show another embodiment in which a slit 31is formed near the forming base of each side wall 24a with the opening30 as the rigidity changing portion P being formed at the predeterminedlocation in the rib side wall 24a.

In addition to the above-described effect of tapered rib side wall 24a,the buckling transformation can be more smoothly performed because theslit 31 is provided near the forming base portion of each rib side wall24a which is thicker than the distal portion thereof. Therefore, desiredreduction of the initial counterforce can be obtained on the bucklingtransformation.

It should be understood that this slit can be also applied to theembodiments shown in FIGS. 9 to 18.

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings in which like reference numeralsdesignate like parts in the first embodiment, respectively.

FIGS. 22 to 24 respectively show rib 44 formed on the rear face 1a oftrim main body 1.

The rib 44 is formed generally in a rectangular tube and includes frontand rear portions having different numbers of rib walls to define firstenergy absorbing portion 45 and second energy absorbing portion 46,respectively.

The first energy absorbing portion 45 includes horizontal rib side walls47, 47, vertical rib side walls 48, 48 and two partition rib walls 49,50 vertically intersecting each other between each facing pair of theseside walls 47, 47, 48, 48. The second energy absorbing portion 46 isconstructed using only the vertical rib side walls 48, 48 and thepartition rib wall 50 which is parallel to these side walls 48, 48.

Namely, the second energy absorbing portion 46 can be easily formedintegrally with the first energy absorbing portion 45 using a slidemold.

According to this embodiment, when the driver is moved aside by theinertia force on a side collision or the like case and his or her bodyhits on the door inner panel Da of trim main body 1, the load ofcollision acts along the axial direction of rib 44. Thus, the rib 44 istransformed with buckling between the trim main body 1 and the doorinner panel Da to absorb the collision energy.

Because the rib 44 is formed generally in a rectangular tube, smoothbellows-like buckling transformation by the load of collision along theaxial direction can suppress the initial counterforce on thattransformation and absorb the collision energy with high efficiency.

Additionally, the collision energy absorption amount differs from thefirst energy absorbing portion 45 to the second energy absorbing portion46 because the former portion 45 includes a greater number of rib sidewalls and the latter portion 46 includes a smaller number of rib sidewalls. Namely, the total energy absorption amount can be adjusted bychanging the number of rib side walls defining each energy absorbingportion.

Further, the second energy absorbing portion 46 may be formed with aslide mold (not shown) changing the thickness of the rib side walls 48,48 and 50 to the thickness of the first energy absorbing portion 45.Therefore, the adjustment of the collision energy absorption amount canbe more facilitated.

In addition to the advantage on that collision energy absorptionproperty, the moldability of trim main body 1 in case of integrallyforming the rib 44 with the rear face 1a of trim main body 1 ismaintained in a good condition because the shape of rectangular tube rib44 can facilitate the release from the mold. Further, the so enhancedmoldability can reduce the manufacturing cost.

Also, the smooth buckling transformation due to the rib 44 can assure asufficient effective stroke of transformation. Therefore, the height ofprojection from the rear face of trim main body 1 can be suppressed,thereby guaranteeing a desiredly wide compartment space.

In this embodiment, the rib 44 is integrally formed with the rear faceof trim main body 1. However, it may be formed integrally with a baseplate 51 using a resin as shown in FIG. 25 and then fixed to the rearface 1a of trim main body 1 through the base plate 51 with screws 52 orthe like means.

In the rib 44 shown in FIG. 25, the first energy absorbing portion 45including partition walls 49, 50 is disposed near the base plate 51,while the second energy absorbing portion 46 with a shape of simplerectangular tube is provided in front of the first portion 45. However,the front and rear positions of these first and second energy absorbingportions 45, 46 and the number of the rib side wall included in eachportion may be changed optionally depending on the needed collisionenergy absorption property.

That separate formation of the trim main body 1 and the rib 44 permitsthe trim main body 1 to be applied to either case equipped or notequipped with the rib.

FIG. 26 shows an example in which the first and second energy absorbingportions 45, 46 are formed separately.

Specifically, the first energy absorbing portion 45 is formed integrallywith the base plate 51, including partition walls 49, 50 verticallyintersecting between each facing pair of the rib side walls. The secondenergy absorbing portion 46 is formed with the rear face of trim mainbody 1, including rib walls 48A, 48A, 50A respectively corresponding tothe rib side walls 48, 48 and partition wall 50 of the first energyabsorbing portion 45.

Further, the first energy absorbing portion 45 is fixed to the rear face1a of trim main body 1 through the base plate 51 by engaging screws 52with corresponding boss portions 53 formed in the rear face 1a.

Accordingly, by such separate formation of the first and second energyabsorbing portions 45 and 46, these members can be easily obtained.

In this embodiment, the second energy absorbing portion 46 is integrallyformed with the rear face 1a of trim main body 1. This portion 46 may beformed separately from the trim main body 1.

Also in this embodiment, only one rib 44 formed in a rectangular tube isprovided on a needed area of the rear face 1a of trim main body 1. Aplurality of rib 44 may be arranged as described above to increase thecollision energy absorption amount.

Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Also in the followingdescription, like parts in the first embodiment are designated by likereference numerals, respectively.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show rib 62 formed on the rear face 1a of trim main body1.

As shown in the same drawings, first and second auxiliary rib pieces 65,66 are formed integrally outside each corner of the rib 66.

The first auxiliary rib piece 65 extends along each of vertical andhorizontal side walls 63, 64 from its end. The second auxiliary ribpiece 66 is integrally formed between the distal end of each firstauxiliary rib piece 65 and a predetermined location of side wall 63 or64 vertical to that first auxiliary rib piece 65.

In this embodiment, each of the first and second auxiliary rib pieces65, 66 is formed in a triangle. However, these parts may have arectangular shape.

It is preferred that distances c, d shown in FIG. 29 between thepredetermined location and each corner of the vertical and horizontalside walls 63, 64 establish c≧a1/3, d≧b1/3 when the dimensions of thesevertical and horizontal side walls 63, 64 are a, b, respectively. It isfurther preferred to set the ratio a/b within the range of 0.2 to 1.0.Namely, if the ratio a/b is set in that range, the initial counterforceon the buckling transformation can be suppressed low and a sufficientamount of collision energy absorption can be obtained.

According to this embodiment, when the driver is moved aside by theinertia force on a side collision or the like case and his or her bodyhits on the door inner panel Da of trim main body 1, the rib 62 istransformed with buckling between the trim main body 1 and the doorinner panel Da to absorb the collision energy.

Namely, when the load of collision is applied to the rib 62 in thedirection denoted by arrow Fa as shown in FIG. 30, the smoothbellows-like buckling transformation due to the rectangular tube rib 62for absorbing the collision energy can suppress the initialcounterforce. Further, the first and second auxiliary rib pieces 65, 66are also transformed with buckling along with the rib 62. Therefore, thecollision energy is absorbed by all the effects of bucklingtransformation due to the rib 62 and the first and second auxiliary ribpieces 65, 66.

Alternatively, when the load of collision is obliquely applied to therib 62 in the direction denoted by arrow Fb, the side walls vertical tothat direction, i.e. horizontal side walls 64, 64, tend to fall.However, the first and second auxiliary rib pieces 65, 66 will suppressthe falling of these side walls 64, 64 on such a case.

Accordingly, a desired energy absorption property can be obtained oneither case of collision load applied in the axial or an obliequedirection, thereby protecting the driver safely.

In FIG. 31, curve Ra designates the collision energy absorption propertywhere the load of collision is obliquely applied to the rib providedwith the first and second auxiliary rib pieces. Curves Rb and Rcdesignate the collision energy absorption properties where the load ofcollision is applied along the axial and an any given obliequedirections to the rib without any of the first and second auxiliary ribpieces, respectively. As is seen from the same drawing, when compared tothe case of Rb, the enegy absorption property of Rc is significantlydegraded due to the aforementioned falling tendency of the rib. In thecase of Ra, however, the first and second auxiliary rib pieces permitthe collision energy apsorption property even in the case of obliquelyapplying the collision load to get near the desired property in the caseof applying the load along the axial direction.

In addition to the advantage on the collision energy absorptionproperty, the shape of rectangular tube rib 62 facilitates the releasefrom the mold on forming the rib 62 integrally with the rear face 1a oftrim main body 1. Therefore, the moldability can be enhanced, reducingthe manufacturing cost.

As described above, the rib 62 can also assure a sufficient effectivestroke of transformation due to its smooth buckling transformation.Thus, the height of projection from the rear face 1a of trim main bodycan be desiredly suppressed, thereby presenting a wide compartmentspace.

In this embodiment, the rib 62 is formed integrally with the rear faceof trim main body 1. However, the rib 62 may be formed separately fromthe trim main body 1 and fixed to the rear face 1a through a suitablemember.

For example, in FIGS. 28, 29, the trim main body 1 may be replaced bybase plate 70 formed with a resin. Thus, the rib 64 and first and secondauxiliary rib pieces 65, 66 are formed integrally with the base plate70.

Because the rib 62 can be separated from the trim main body 1 in thiscase, that trim main body 1 can be used in either application equippedor not equipped with the rib.

Further, in this embodiment, the single rib 62 is provided on apredetermined site of the rear face of trim main body 1. However, aplurality of ribs 62 may be arranged collectively on that site toincrease the collision energy absorption amount.

As stated above, the following effects can be obtained by the presentinvention.

Since the rib is formed in a rectangular tube, when it receives someload applied along its axial direction on a side collision or the likecase, it can be smoothly transformed with bellows-like buckling, therebysuppressing the initial counter fource on the transformation andabsorbing the collision energy to safely protect the driver.

The shape of the rectangular tube rib facilitates the release from themold on forming it with a resin, thereby enhancing the moldability andreducing the manufacturing cost.

The smooth buckling transformation due to the rectangular tube rib canassure a sufficient effective stroke of transformation. Accordingly, theheight of projection from the rear face of the trim main body can besuppressed to a relatively small value, thereby guaranteeing a widecompartment space.

Since the rigidity changing portion for introducing the rib bucklingtransformation is disposed at a predetermined location of each rib sidewall, when the rib receives some load applied along its axial directionon a side collision or the like case, the rigidity changing portiongives the rib smoother bellows-like buckling. Accordingly, the initialcounter fource and fluctuation on the buckling transformation can bemore reduced, thereby obtaining an ideal non-linear property ofcollision energy absorption to safely protect the driver.

By integrally forming the rib on the rear face of the resinous trim mainbody, the number of parts, processes for managing them and manufacturingcost can be reduced.

When the rib is integrally formed with the trim main body, thereleasability from the mold due to the rectangular tube rib does notaffect the moldability of the trim main body.

By integrally forming the rib with a base plate to fix it onto the rearface of the trim main body through the base plate, the trim main bodycan be used in either application equipped or not equipped with the rib.

By arranging a plurality of ribs at a predetermined interval on the rearface of the trim main body, these ribs can cooperatively absorb thecollision energy thereby to enhance the effect of absorption.

Since the plurality of ribs are arranged at a predetermined interval,each rib can perform smooth bellows-like buckling transformation withoutany interaction to each other. Therefore, a sufficient effective strokecan be assured, and an excellent collision energy absorption propertycan be obtained.

In that arrangement of plural ribs at a predetermined interval, thebuckling transformation mode of each rib can be changed so that theoptimum collision energy absorption property can be obtained by easyadjustment thereof.

By interposing partition walls between a facing pair of side walls of asingle rectangular tube rib, the forming of plural ribs can be morefacilitated on the rear face of the trim main body can be morefacilitated.

By interposing partition walls between two facing pairs of side walls ofa single rectangular tube rib, the forming of plural ribs vertically andhorizontally connected to each other can be more facilitated on the rearface of the trim main body.

By forming each side wall of the rectangular tube rib tapered andthinning toward its distal end, a desired draw angle can be obtained,thereby further enhancing the moldability.

Also, by forming each side wall of the rectangular tube rib tapered andthinning toward its distal end, the buckling transformation of the ribstarts at its thinnest distal end. Therefore, the initial counter forcecan be reduced low to provide smooth transformation. Further, non-linearideal transformation mode can be obtained, thereby enhancing thecollision energy absorption effect.

The driver can be safely protected by setting the ratio of the verticaldimension a and horizontal dimension b of the rectangular rib within therange from 0.2 to 1.0, which provides sufficient collision energyabsorption.

The driver can be safely protected by setting the maximum value of thevertical and horizontal dimensions a, b of the rectangular rib at 70 mmor less, which is the optimum value for the collision energy absorptionand layout property on arranging plural ribs collectively.

By forming the rigidity changing portion on the rib side wall at thelocation corresponding to the half wavelength of buckling transformationof the rib, the bellows-like buckling transformation can be smoothlystarted and completed, and the collision energy absorption effect can befurther enhanced.

By constructing the rigidity changing portion by forming the auxiliaryrib piece integrally with the rib side wall, the buckling transformationof the rib can be introduced with certainty by that rigidity changingportion.

Because the auxiliary rib piece is transformed with the bucklingtransformation of the rib, the amount of collision energy absorption canbe increased.

The efficiency of space and the degree of freedom for the layout can beenhanced by forming the auxiliary rib piece integrally with the innerface of the rib side wall to avoide interference of the auxiliary ribpiece to the arrangement of the rib structure on the rear face of trimmain body.

By constructing the rigidity changing portion by forming an opening inthe rib side wall, the moldability can be further enhanced to reduce themanufacturing cost.

In addition to the effect of the tapered distal end of the rib sidewall, the slit provided near the thicker base end portion of the ribside wall can reduce the rigidity of that portion, thereby providingfurther smooth buckling transformation of the rib entire body and morereduced initial counter force on the buckling transformation.

By forming the first and second energy absorbing portions, one having adifferent number of ribs from the other's, in a multi-steppedconstruction, the amount of collision energy absorption can be adjustedoptionally to obtain the optimum collision energy absorption property.

By separately forming the first and second energy absorbing portions,the moldability can be further enhanced, and the adjustment of collisionenergy absorption can be performed more easily.

By the cooperative effect of the first auxiliary rib piece extendingoutside from each corner of the rectangular tube rib and the secondauxiliary rib piece extending from the distal end of first auxiliary ribpiece onto the side wall vertically intersecting that first auxiliaryrib piece, an excellent collision energy absorption property can beobtained even in the case of collision load applied obliquely to theaxis of the rib structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy absorbing car trim adapted forattaching to a panel face of a side portion of a car compartmentadjacent to a driver or passenger seat, comprising:a trim main body; anda plurality of rectangularly-shaped tubular ribs integral with the trimbody and spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval,wherein a rigidity changing portion is formed on each side wall of eachrib at a location corresponding to a half wavelength of bucklingwaveform of each rib, between a distal end of each rib and a base ofeach rib to introduce controlled buckling transformation for said ribs.2. An energy absorbing car trim of claim 1, wherein each of said ribs isformed integrally with a base plate using a resin and fixed to the trimmain body through said base plate.
 3. An energy absorbing car trim ofclaim 1, wherein each side wall of each rib is tapered, thinning towardits distal end.
 4. An energy absorbing car trim of claim 1, wherein aheight to width ratio of each of said rectangular ribs ranges from 0.2to 1.0.
 5. An energy absorbing car trim of claim 1, wherein a maximumdepth or length of each of said rectangular ribs is 70 mm or less.
 6. Anenergy absorbing car trim of claim 1, wherein said rigidity changingportion is constructed on each side wall by integrally forming anauxiliary rib piece over a portion from a base to a predetermined depthof each side wall.
 7. An energy absorbing car trim of claim 6, whereinsaid auxiliary rib piece is formed integrally on four inner faces ofsaid four side walls of each of the ribs.
 8. An energy absorbing cartrim of claim 1, wherein said rigidity changing portion is constructedby forming an opening in each of said side walls.
 9. An energy absorbingcar trim of claim 1, wherein a slit is formed near a base portion ofeach of said side walls.
 10. An energy absorbing car trim of claim 1,wherein at least one of said ribs includes a first energy absorbingportion at its base portion and a second energy absorbing portion at itsdistal portion, the number of walls included in said first energyabsorbing portion being different from the number of walls included insaid second energy absorbing portion.
 11. An energy absorbing car trimof claim 10, wherein said first and second energy absorbing portions areformed separately and then connected to each other to form said rib. 12.An energy absorbing car trim of claim 1, further comprising a firstauxiliary rib piece extending outside from each corner along one sidewall of at least one of said ribs and a second auxiliary rib pieceextending from the distal end of said first auxiliary rib piece onto theother side wall intersecting said first auxiliary rib piece, wherein thefirst and second auxiliary rib pieces are integrally formed with saidrib.